John O’Connor [left] with Daniel Whippy

Carpenters Fiji Managing Director Daniel Whippy today applied for bail variation in the Suva Magistrates Court.

Whippy and National Fire Authority’s former Board Chair John O’Connor both appeared before Magistrate Seini Puamau in a matter about the fire at Carpenters Fiji property, MH warehouse in Walubay in 2018.

In this matter, Whippy is charged with one count of counseling for the omission of the offense while O’Connor is charged with one count of abuse of office.

Whippy’s counsel informed the court that his client intends to travel overseas for business between 28th March and 10th April and 1st May and 7th May.

The Magistrate allowed the variation and lifted the stop departure issued against Whippy.

He has been ordered to return his passport to the Criminal Court Registry by 4 pm on the 10th of April.

For the second date of travel, the Magistrate will make further orders on the release of the passport on the 11th of April.

Whippy has also been ordered to surrender a $50,000 cash bond in the court registry before midday tomorrow.

His counsel informed the court that his client would also be engaging an overseas senior counsel.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Puamau also advised the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption counsel to submit the second phase of disclosures on 2nd April.

The matter has been adjourned to the 11th of April.